Category: Resources

How Long Does it Take to Remove a Tree?

lifting the tree with a crane Depending on your area, property type, age of the property, etc. you may have many different types and sizes of trees. As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to ensure that the trees on your property are in a safe location and do not pose threats to homes, animals, people, or electrical/utility lines. You may be considering the removal of a tree for the purposes listed above – or maybe you are wanting to redesign the layout of your yard. Whatever the reason may be – Mr. Tree has the resources for you!

Estimating Your Tree Removal Job

Because there are so many variables when it comes to tree removal, determining the time it will take to remove a tree will be specific to each job. Our first recommendation is to schedule a free tree removal estimate with our tree specialists to get an accurate assessment of time and costs. In general, however, here are some things to consider:

  • Size (including length, width, and branch layout) – Trees come in all shapes and sizes. Smaller trees can take as little as 15 minutes to remove, other, larger trees can take over an hour or more.
  • Species – Some species of trees are not as dense or as compact as others. For instance, an aspen tree will come down a lot easier than an oak.
  • Location – Depending on whether or not you live in a city or out in the country can affect the time of tree removal. Different cities/counties have different guidelines for permits or land access. Other neighborhoods may require approval from the HOA to remove trees.
  • Age/Health – Older trees can be more difficult to remove just based on their dense root systems. In addition, trees with compromised health may take longer simply because our crews will adhere to safety guidelines to remove the tree in pieces so that vulnerable branches or sections do not fall inappropriately.
  • Proximity to Structures or Other Trees – Trees that are right up against a home, barn, or even electrical lines will take longer in order to eliminate the risk of damage to the adjacent structures. Trees that are in compact areas among other trees may also take longer to allow the right equipment to get set up in proper locations without posing safety risks.

Time to Remove a Tree

If you are considering removing a tree – now is a great time! We have a current tree removal promotion that gives property owners the option to remove a tree and choose a new tree species to plant. Before you commit to tree removal, be sure to also read our tree resources for additional tips and advice.

How Much Does Tree Removal Cost in PA?

mr tree infographic cost In today’s age, we are used to finding out the cost of a product or service in an instant. All it takes is a quick Google search, and we have our answer.

Unfortunately, that simply isn’t applicable to certain situations, including tree removal. There are many factors that could affect the cost of a tree removal job, so it just isn’t possible to calculate a one-size-fits-all figure.

We like to be transparent with our customers, so we’ve compiled this list of factors that can lower or raise the cost of your tree removal job. Keep in mind, the price of tree removal varies. While a small tree removal job can start around $450, larger trees can range up to $10,000. The main component is time, and large trees have to be cut into pieces and taken away in parts. This requires more time, more equipment, a bigger crew, and of course – more safety precautions. There’s no way to know the exact cost without having a professional assess your property, but these factors may help you determine the scope of the job you have on your hands.

4 Factors that Affect the Cost of Tree Removal in PA

Environmental Factors

Is your tree positioned near your house or another valuable target? Is it easily accessible by trucks and other equipment needed for its removal? What’s the terrain like? All these components impact the total cost of the job.

Type of Tree

Wood varies in density and hardness. The hardest tree native to Southeastern Pennsylvania and Northern Delaware is the oak. Due to its weight, removing an oak tree requires more time and safety precautions than a pine tree, for example. Since pine trees are lighter, we are able to remove them with more ease.

Height of Tree

In general, the size of your tree has a large impact on the cost of its removal. Removing a tree that’s 75+ feet tall is more labor-intensive than a 25-foot tree.

Health of Tree

Trees that are dead and starting to rot are usually lighter and less solidly rooted. This makes them slightly easier to remove than healthy trees, which require more intensive labor. Trees that have already fallen also tend to be easier jobs, provided they haven’t landed on anything. A fallen tree that has landed on a structure–like a car, house, or shed–poses an added challenge.

The Cost of Tree Trimming

cutting dead branches Not all trees need to be removed. Many trees can simply be trimmed which not only cuts down on cost but can save on the headache and hassle involved in full tree removal. Mr. Tree recommends consulting a professional before deciding whether or not a tree needs trimming or removal, as many factors can affect this decision.

When budgeting for tree trimming services in Pennsylvania, homeowners can expect to pay between $450 and $2,000 depending on the size of the tree and the factors listed above.

Contact Mr. Tree for a Free, Accurate Estimate

It’s a good idea to keep in mind that these factors help with guestimates about the price of removing a tree, but there is no way to know the cost for certain without a professional’s assessment. If a tree is dead, compromised, or threatening to fall on your property, it could cost you significantly more in the long run.

To get your estimate from Mr. Tree, fill out their online form or call (484) 999-0040.

Who Is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in PA?

fallen tree in pa It happens more often than homeowners would like. Fallen or leaning trees can pose a lot of dangers to people, property, and wildlife and need to be removed as soon as possible to avoid hazards. The question is: whose responsibility is it to remove fallen trees in Pennsylvania? While many homeowners can clean up their property if the damage is minimal, many will opt for a professional tree service in PA. Here are some things to consider.

When There is Damage

When a tree falls on your property, there is the potential for damage or injury. When this happens, whether you were present at the time or not, it is important to examine the area and contact your insurance company. Most companies will be responsible for paying for tree removal and any associated damages, but talking with your adjustor can clarify what is covered.

If your tree has fallen onto your neighbor’s property, be sure to communicate with your insurance company and your neighbor before pursuing removal. The neighbor may be willing to help pay for part of the removal.

Options for Fallen Tree Removal

In Pennsylvania, there are many options for removing fallen trees from your property.  Here are some ways to remove fallen trees or tree trimmings from your home and yard:

  • Contact a Professional Tree Service – The best thing to do after contacting your insurance company is to contact a trusted, reliable tree service like Mr. Tree. Our team has extensive experience in removing dead or fallen trees and adheres to the highest level of safety when clearing your property. In addition, a professional tree service can save you hours of labor involving trimming limbs or cutting down trunks to haul away.
  • Rent a Dumpster – Renting a dumpster is a great way to remove fallen trees or tree trimmings. Depending on the size of the tree, you should be able to use just one 10-yard dumpster. You may need to cut the tree into pieces before loading into the dumpster.
  • Mulch It – If you have the time and the resources, an excellent option for ‘upcycling’ your fallen or dead tree is to chip it. You will need to either rent a chipper or hire a tree service to do this for you. This free mulch is great for use in your garden or as a bed for a playground.
  • Burn Pile – There are many restrictions when it comes to having a burn pile – so be sure to check your neighborhood requirements and city guidelines before opting to burn your fallen trees or limbs. While this can be a great way to get rid of debris, or even warm your home if you use a wood stove, there are a lot of safety hazards to consider.

Let Mr. Tree Remove Your Fallen Trees

While any of the options above can be good choices for removing a fallen tree in Pennsylvania, the one that saves you the most time and headache is calling Mr. Tree! If a tree has fallen on your property, give us a call to get a quote for removal services. We can talk to you about ways to chip it and upcycle the debris, or haul it away and out of sight!

The Best Time to Cut Dead Tree Branches

cutting dead branches Knowing when to remove the dead branches and limbs from your tree can be difficult. In general, dead limbs should be removed when they are noticed – but finding dead branches can be tricky. The best time to check for dead branches is after the fall leaves are gone, mulched, or buried under snow, and new spring blossoms are not yet ready to bud, December and January offer the best time to cut off the dead and make way for new life.

Removing Dead Branches

Cutting off the dead branches and limbs of your trees in the middle to end of winter is the best way to promote healthy growth (as this is when trees are dormant and you are less likely to damage them). In addition, without the leaves, it offers you the best chance to get a thorough look at every branch to give it a good, clean cut.

If a dead branch or limb is close to or touching live electrical wires, it is important to contact your electric company to have them shut off power to your property prior to removing these branches. Even if you notice the dead branch in the middle of summer, it is better to remove the dead branch than have it cause a fire or other emergency. Your best bet is to call Mr. Tree right away, as we are trained and experienced in safe tree and branch removal.

Why Pruning is Necessary

There are many homeowners that don’t understand the importance of removing dead or decaying branches. The thought may be that if it isn’t close to property or electric lines, then it is not worth the hassle. However, even if the tree or branches are not close to dangerous areas, pruning your trees is a responsible act for every homeowner. Here are a couple of reasons why:

  1. Prevents Branches from Falling. When branches die, they don’t just become bare. These branches begin to rot and decay. The longer they are left, the weight of these branches can cause them to snap or break where the rot or decay is most extensive. This can be dangerous for anyone walking near the tree, animals, or property.
  2. Promotes Healthy Growth. When a dead branch is left on a tree, nutrients, and resources are still being pushed or redirected away from healthy branches. This can lead to the tree being susceptible to disease or pests. When dead foliage is cut away from a tree, the nutrients can go to the healthy branches and leaves, making the tree stronger and more resilient.

What Causes Dead Tree Branches

Many times, dead tree branches happen because of natural causes – but in some cases, dead tree branches can signal disease, such as this disease affecting Pennsylvania Oak Trees. It is important to talk with a local arborist or tree specialist, like our team at Mr. Tree, to understand whether or not there is a bigger issue at hand.

Healthy Trees in Pennsylvania

Mr. Tree is passionate about educating homeowners about the value of pruning trees and tree removal for the purpose of promoting healthy growth among tree populations and safer homes. If you aren’t sure whether or not your tree is dying, diseased, or going through a dormant cycle, you can take a look at some of our resources online or contact us today. We would love to speak with you!

Is a Leaning Tree Dangerous?

leaning tree There has been a lot of rough weather this fall. With high winds and powerful rain, it can wreak havoc on your landscaping, and even on some of your toughest, oldest trees. The question that many homeowners have is whether or not certain damage, or even the way a tree is standing, poses a dangerous risk for people and property nearby.

When to Remove a Tree

In general, a leaning tree is not a cause for concern. There are instances, however, that may require tree removal.

Sudden Leaning

Many trees can grow at an angle, and for strong trees, this is not a problem. Deep roots, like the ones you see on big Oak trees, prevent these trees from tipping over, even in adverse weather. However, trees that were once standing tall and now seem to be leaning may have damage to the root or trunk, or disease, causing them to weaken and tip. In this case, calling a professional tree removal company can help you determine whether or not the tree should be removed.

Visible Roots

If a tree is leaning and you notice that the roots are now visible, it may be cause for immediate action. Trees that have begun to pull up their roots are much more likely to fall quickly, as their weight can shift suddenly. Leaving these is dangerous, so make sure to get them checked right away.

Known Damage

If a tree is leaning and has been struck by lightning or affected by a natural disaster, such as a tornado or a hurricane, it may need to be removed. Damage to a leaning tree can shift its gravity, and there may be more extensive damage to the trunk or roots than can be seen by the naked eye.

Hollow Trunk or Bald Bark Spots

If a leaning Oak tree or Pine tree has hollow spots in the trunk or has begun to shed its bark, that is a sign of significant damage or disease. Only a tree professional can determine whether or not it poses a risk to you and your property, but trees with this kind of damage should be removed even if they are not leaning.

Proximity to People or Property

The location of the tree and the direction in which the tree is leaning should be considered. Even if the tree is a strong species, such as an Oak or Elm, if the tree is leaning toward your home, powerlines, vehicles, playground equipment, or other areas where it poses a direct risk to people – the tree should be removed. A fallen tree on electrical wires can cause a fire, and trees can bust through siding and windows with little effort. To keep your loved ones safe and your home protected, please remove these.

Consult a Trusted Tree Removal Expert in Pennsylvania

There may be many instances when a leaning Oak tree or leaning Pine tree poses more danger than you think. It is best to do your due diligence and consult with a trusted tree removal expert right away if you have questions about this. Mr.Tree would be happy to talk with you about the right time to remove trees and when it is okay to leave them. Contact us today.

There’s Something Off with the Pennsylvania Oak Trees

oak tree If you are a homeowner who has an oak tree, or several, on your property, you may have noticed that something hasn’t been quite right. During the summer, we usually expect all of our foliage to turn green and lush, providing us with much-needed shade and shelter during the heat of the season. Sadly, many oak trees in Pennsylvania (and along the eastern seaboard) have been affected by something known as, “Bacterial Leaf Scorch.”

What is Bacterial Leaf Scorch

Bacterial Leaf Scorch, sometimes called Marginal Leaf Burn, refers to a condition when the outer edges of the leaves are not getting sufficient moisture for one reason or another. Some of these reasons may include:

  • Insufficient moisture in the soil
  • Water is lost too quickly from the leaves
  • Roots have been killed by plant pathogens, excavation, or compaction
  • Fungi or bacteria invade and plug the water-conducting vessels (xylem) in the plant

One primary culprit in Pennsylvania is a bacteria known as Xylella fastidiosa. Xylella can inhibit water from reaching the leaves of oak trees. This will turn the leaves of an oak tree brown, even in the spring and summer. The only real way to know if your trees are affected by this bacteria, or have Bacterial Leaf Scorch, is by contacting a professional, as they can perform accurate testing to confirm bacterial presence.

How it Spreads

Because BLS is caused by bacteria or fungi, the disease can be transported to other trees near the diseased plant by beetles, grasshoppers, and spittlebugs.

Protecting Your Oak Trees

Unfortunately, once your oak tree is suffering from Bacterial Leaf Scorch, there is no way to cure it. Even though it takes years for the bacteria to fully kill an adult oak tree, it can be unsettling and devastating to watch your trees die. Some treatments that help the trees keep their green leaves include an antibiotic called ‘Tetracycline’, but this treatment only postpones the inevitable and can be costly.

Hypoxylon Cankers Threatening Oak Trees in PA

hypoxylon cankers In addition to Bacterial Leaf Scorch, Hypoxylon cankers have been causing the deaths of oak trees around Pennsylvania. These cankers, in the form of lesions or spores, infect the bark of the tree and literally rot the tree from the inside. These spores can range in color from light blue to black and can affect weak trees as well as healthy ones.

Over time, the structural integrity of the tree is compromised. Although it can take up to 8 years for these lesions to kill an oak tree, just like with BLS, it is not something any homeowner wants to experience.

Keep Your Trees Alive and Healthy

To keep these diseases and spores at bay, it is vital to keep your trees pruned and healthy by using a trusted and professional tree service that can identify issues early to provide treatment. At Mr. Tree, we love providing resources that keep our tree populations alive and thriving. If you need our services or suspect that one of your oak trees may be infected with Bacterial Leaf Scorch, or is showing signs of lesions, please contact us right away.

 

What’s Killing Pennsylvania’s Ash Trees

emerald ash bore There is a lot to be concerned about when it comes to our natural world. With shifting climates, we are seeing more natural species and vegetation being lost. There is another natural disaster happening, though, to our trees. In Pennsylvania, we are so fortunate to be home to big, beautiful trees of many different species that tower over the land. What if one day those trees were gone?

Where Have All the Ash Trees Gone

There is something called the Emerald Ash Bore, a small, metallic green beetle, that has killed off most of the Ash Trees in Pennsylvania. The Emerald Ash Bore, while their name doesn’t reflect their viciousness, were first discovered in North America in 2002. Since then, it has killed 60 million Ash Trees nationwide. In Pennsylvania, we have a healthy population of Ash Trees – numbering over 300 million – but this number is drastically decreasing by the day. Since 2014, the Ash Tree population has been reduced by 14%.

How to Save Your Ash Trees

Not only should we be concerned about our forests in PA and around the country, but homeowners need to take extra steps to protect their ash trees.

Identify the Affected Trees

growing ash tree If you have ash trees on your property, you can tell if they have been affected by the Emerald Ash Bore by the discoloration of the tree bark. This bark will flake off in considerable amounts to show reveal a much lighter color underneath. If you look closely, you can see the bore holes themselves!

Treatment

Generally, you will want to remove the dead trees before they fall and create damage to your property. Once the ash tree is infected, it should be removed to eliminate the threat of the tree falling and causing damage to your property or hurting someone.

There are chemical treatments available for affected ash trees, but once a tree has evidence of this beetle, the treatment doesn’t work very often. Only healthy, unaffected ash trees should be considered for treatment like insecticides – as beetles can decimate tree populations within 5 years once they start. Most treatments need to be applied every year and can become very costly.

Don’t Wait to Remove

Ash trees can grow to be very large (some as tall as 80 feet). It is crucial to be alert when it comes to the health of your trees. Once affected by the Emerald Ash Bore, the integrity of the tree is compromised and it can take very little to tip these trees over or break them in half. If you have trees on your property that are sick or dead, please contact the team at Mr. Tree right away so we can safely remove them. If you catch it quickly, it may help prevent other trees on your property and in the area from becoming affected.

5 Best Trees for Shade
Willow Tree over lake

Willow Tree

The weather is quickly reaching warm temperatures, and if you’re looking to plant trees this spring, consider planting ones that will provide some shade! This will not only provide a nice spot for the neighborhood furry friends to relax under but can be used as a great picnic spot.

Best Trees for Shade

  1. Oak trees are a great shade provider.
    Oak Tree

    Oak Tree

    Congress even declared the oak to be American’s national tree in 2004. According to Better Homes and Gardens, the oak tree has more than 60 species that originate in the United States, so you can choose the best oak for your region.
  2. The American hornbeam is a low-maintenance shade tree that can grow almost anywhere. This tree is a bit shorter and has ridged bark with a round shape.
  3. The American sweetgum has star-shaped multi-colored leaves and has become a prized specimen in parks, campuses, and large yards across the country. If you have the space for an American sweetgum it will not only provide a good amount of shade but beautiful colors to your yard as well.
  4. A weeping willow tree is known to provide optimum shade and is native to China. This huge tree is known for its open center, ground-sweeping branches, and long leaves. This tree is a symbol of spring for some and is easy to grow. The weeping willow can grow between 30-40 feet and the same width, and can live between 20-50 years. The weeping willow does best around the edge of ponds, lakes, and rivers.
  5. The northern catalpa
    Northern Catalpa tree

    Northern Catalpa

    is a beautiful white tree with showy flowers with heart-shaped leaves. It is popular for most, including kids. It is not great in every location, but it does grow fast and can be found in parks and yards throughout the country.

Hire a Professional

If you’re interested in planting a tree this spring, Mr. Tree is happy to offer recommendations best for you. As we enter the warmer months, this is a great time to get your existing trees pruned & trimmed. Contact Mr. Tree for more information.

How To Properly and Effectively Water Your Trees

Tree getting watered Now that the weather is starting to warm up, it’s important to prioritize watering your trees. Most think that the trees get enough water when it rains, but manually watering your trees will make a huge difference in the health and survival of trees when they’re young or when the weather is dry.

It can be difficult to know when is a good time to water your trees is. According to Arbor Day Foundation blog, during a hot summer afternoon, up to half of the water on your tree can be lost to evaporation. So the best time to water your trees is in the morning or evening, this allows for the roots to have a chance to absorb most of the water. But what are the best ways to water your trees?

The 4 Best Ways to Water Your Trees

  1. You can use a hose to water your tree. You can turn the hose to a slow dribble and put it on the ground near the trunk. After about half an hour, move it a couple of feet around the trunk. You repeat this process for up to 2 hours if the tree is large.
  2. A great option is a soaker hose. A porous soaker hose will allow water to slowly ooze out of its entire length. Lay the hose on the soil around the tree and turn the water on just enough so you start to see beads of water on the surface of the hose. You can let this run for about an hour.
  3. If you can’t reach the tree with a hose, try a bucket. Fill a large bucket with water and carry it over to the tree. Pour the water onto the soil around the tree. Keep making trips until the soil is fully watered. For a young tree, you will need at least 10 gallons and more for a mature tree.
  4. You can try using an overhead sprinkler. Overhead sprinklers work best in cool areas that don’t receive a lot of sunlight. They are a good way to cover large areas, but they don’t provide a lot of moisture.

Contact a Professional Tree Company

If you’re interested in tree pruning as the warm weather rolls in, contact us! We can also help provide additional tips to keep your tree in the best shape.

Why You Should Consider Planting Trees This Spring

Spring is known to be the season for gardening, planting trees, and spending lots of time outside. Not only is it nice to spend time gardening in the spring but it is also a healthy time for your plants and trees to be added.

Benefits of Planting Trees In Spring

  1. Tree behind fenceNurseries have the biggest selection during the spring months. You are able to choose from multiple different trees, picking the best for you and your yard this spring! You may be limited by selection at other times of the year.
  2. Planting a tree in the spring gives the tree a fair chance to grow all summer long to be better equipped for the winter. We are only seeing what is going on above the surface, but it’s important to remember that when a tree is freshly planted it needs to make roots under the surface. When you plant in the spring it gives the tree enough time to make new leaves and roots, which provides the tree with the sugars it needs to grow.
  3. Alongside the sugars required for tree growth, trees also need water. A new tree has a smaller, more limited root system which can be a problem when it comes to getting enough water. The spring showers will help with this issue and allow the tree to grow properly!

Contact a Professional Tree Company

If you’re thinking about planting a new tree this spring, feel free to contact us here at Mr. Tree for some tips and tricks. The spring is also a great time for tree pruning, after a good trimming your tree is ready to take on the nice warm months to come.